SD Shape Shifter Tremolo pulse noise

[RockDC]

I have a shape shifter I modded to increase volume and allow the tap to work even when not engaged. Before doing this I noticed a noise that pulsed with the rate. After doing the mod it got a little louder (naturally since I made the pedal a little louder) and the noise is always present (naturally since I am allowing the tap function to always be on).

I have heard these pedals can be dead quiet but haven't experienced it yet. I had the pedal since they first hit the market and the noise never bothered me because I used a gate with my single coils. I recently switched to humbuckers and ditched the gate.

Any idea what could be causing the pulsing click issue? I realize I voided any warranty there was left.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: SD Shape Shifter Tremolo pulse noise

Does it do it with a battery or when used with no other pedals? I wonder if it could be caused by an impedance mismatch to another pedal or bad power or something?

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: SD Shape Shifter Tremolo pulse noise

I don't mean to hijack, but I'd love to do that mod that allows the tap to be set when the pedal is bypassed. Can you explain how to do that (but not with the volume boost)? Thanks.

 

[RockDC]

Re: SD Shape Shifter Tremolo pulse noise

Does it do it with a battery or when used with no other pedals? I wonder if it could be caused by an impedance mismatch to another pedal or bad power or something?

It does it with or without the battery being the power source. It also does it with pedal being the only thing in the chain.

 

[RockDC]

Re: SD Shape Shifter Tremolo pulse noise

I don't mean to hijack, but I'd love to do that mod that allows the tap to be set when the pedal is bypassed. Can you explain how to do that (but not with the volume boost)? Thanks.

As I recall it is the easiest mod ever done. Let me look it up and I'll share the link when I find it.

 

[RockDC]

Re: SD Shape Shifter Tremolo pulse noise

I don't mean to hijack, but I'd love to do that mod that allows the tap to be set when the pedal is bypassed. Can you explain how to do that (but not with the volume boost)? Thanks.

The mod can be found here: Post #101 by Notyalcer with pictures

 

[o.p-i.v]

Re: SD Shape Shifter Tremolo pulse noise

my tap trem does the same thing, any ideas?

 

[RockDC]

Re: SD Shape Shifter Tremolo pulse noise

Bump for help. Frank?

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: SD Shape Shifter Tremolo pulse noise

Frank doesn't work at SD any more.

Let's just say that I'm hoping things improve a lot with the new US made line of pedals.

 

[RockDC]

Re: SD Shape Shifter Tremolo pulse noise

Then I am at the mercy of the forum...

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: SD Shape Shifter Tremolo pulse noise

Let's just say that I'm hoping things improve a lot with the new US made line of pedals.

Yes. I've had reliability/switch issues on both of my SD pedals. My take on them is that they provide good sounds, but are built like dog pucky. There is no way they should cost as much as they do given how they are built. I may end up just going through both of them and replacing the crap components with good ones, because I really do like the way they sound (especially the Shape Shifter).

 

[frankfalbo]

Re: SD Shape Shifter Tremolo pulse noise

We got our software guy to write a software update mod that allows you to tap the tempo in while off. It also swaps the LED's so the one above the bypass goes on and off for bypass, and the one by the rate/ratio and tap flashes with the tempo. Seems more intuitive to me that way. Anyone who wants the mod should call Customer Service and ask for it. I don't know what they'll charge (if anything) but its better than cutting or disconnecting the wire from the bypass switch.

As for the noise, I don't know what causes it, other than you can assume if it's pulsing with the tempo that it's related to a voltage pulsation. You'd have to send it in and have the test tech look it over. I don't know of that's an option for you.

 

[Agileguy_101]

Re: SD Shape Shifter Tremolo pulse noise

Frank doesn't work at SD any more.

Let's just say that I'm hoping things improve a lot with the new US made line of pedals.

Is there actually going to be a US line of pedals? I'd heard nothing of the sort about it since that thread where Frank asked for our opinions on enclosures.

I'm wondering, however, if the US pedals aren't going to be horrendously expensive. The Asian-made Deja Vu was $250 - My Diamond Memory Lane Jr was only $30 more, and it's an infinitely better product.

Yes. I've had reliability/switch issues on both of my SD pedals. My take on them is that they provide good sounds, but are built like dog pucky. There is no way they should cost as much as they do given how they are built. I may end up just going through both of them and replacing the crap components with good ones, because I really do like the way they sound (especially the Shape Shifter).

I believe that the SD products are sub-par by design rather than components. IE - My Deja Vu sounded good, but it had build problems that eventually led to it getting sold.